exploring the power and nature of forgiveness

Mourning as an Act of Courage and Resistance

“Trauma inevitably brings loss . . . The survivor frequently resists mourning , not only out of fear but also out of pride. She may consciously refuse to grieve as a way of denying victory to the perpetrator. In this case it is important to reframe the (person’s) mourning as an act of courage rather than humiliation. To the extent that the (person) is unable to grieve, she is cut off from a part of herself and robbed of an important part of her healing. Reclaiming the ability to feel the full range of emotions, including grief, must be understood as an act of resistance rather than submission to the perpetrator’s intent. Only through mourning everything she has lost can (she) discover her indestructible inner life.”
— Judith Herman

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About Scott Hutchinson

I am in my 28th year as a local church pastor, twenty two of them shared with the wonderful people of St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. In addition to the thrill of proclaiming the gospel and the privilege of pastoral care, I love to teach and learn the ways of peace.